U.S. & Switzerland

Thank you to the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs for helping President Donald J. Trump deliver on his commitment to bringing all Americans home, and for their extraordinary service for the last 40 years as our Protecting Power in Iran. Ambassador McMullen was honored to present the American flag to freed U.S. prisoner Michael White, who has …

2020 marks the 80th anniversary of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) , the Department of State’s premier professional exchange initiative for emerging leaders. The short-term visits foster mutual understanding and develop cultural and professional connections. The program has over 225,000 alumni worldwide, including more than 300 Swiss alumni including Swiss Federal Councilors Simonetta Sommaruga and Karin Keller-Sutter; State Councilor Christian …

With support from U.S. Embassy Bern, Mark Johnson visited Switzerland in February 2020, where he spoke at the International Block Chain Forum organized by the University of Applied Sciences in Lucerne (HSLU) on the topic of block chain applications in clean energy. Johnson is an expert in using blockchain applications to digitally track the use of clean energy …

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen is pleased to confirm the finalization of the Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement (SHTA), which will facilitate the transfer of critical food and medical supplies to the citizens of Iran. This is the result of many months of dialogue with our Swiss partners, and high-level visits supported by the U.S. Embassy in …

As the U.S. celebrates the 5th National Apprenticeship Week , we look back on recent highlights of Swiss-U.S. apprenticeship cooperation. In the U.S., apprenticeships are not as common as in Switzerland – yet. The U.S. government is looking for new ways to train the workforce of the future, and it is thankful for partners like Switzerland who have …

On Friday, September 20, 2019 in Bern, the United States of America and Switzerland exchanged the instruments of ratification of the protocol of amendment to their double taxation agreement in the area of taxes on income (DTA). The protocol, which entered into force on the same day, represents a milestone in tax relations between Switzerland …

A study released today by Swiss think tank Avenir Suisse found that a trade agreement between Switzerland and the U.S. would bring considerable prosperity to both countries. It finds that within five years, trade in goods could increase by more than $14 billion and more than 40,000 new jobs could be created – 27,500 of them in …

Your Serene Highness: On behalf of the American people, I send my best wishes to the people of Liechtenstein as you celebrate, in the 300th year of the Principality’s history, your National Day this August 15. Since the beginning of our bilateral relationship, Liechtenstein has been a valued and steadfast partner in promoting democracy, human …

Dear Mr. President: On behalf of the people of the United States of America, it is my pleasure to congratulate the people of Switzerland as you celebrate your national day on August 1. The United States deeply values Switzerland’s vital partnership in promoting our shared ideals of economic freedom and democracy. As we discussed when …

On July 2, Embassy Bern hosted its annual Independence Day celebration, commemorating the 243rd anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which created a new nation known as the United States of America. The theme of this year’s reception was “America’s Bounty”. In attendance were Swiss government officials, including ambassadors, as well as …

On the first official visit of a U.S. Secretary of State to Bern in more than 20 years, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo spoke of the U.S. and Switzerland as “natural partners.” During his visit from May 31 to June 1, 2019, Secretary Pompeo met Switzerland’s Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis for a bilateral meeting and a …

On May 21, the Swiss Federal Office of Topography, swisstopo, organized a press conference at the Swiss National Library to present the exhibition “seen from the sky.” The story and details of the U.S. post-war mission of photographing all of Switzerland from the air was highlighted. U.S. Embassy Bern Defense Attaché Darren Smith was honored to attend and give introductory remarks. Shortly after WWII, in the …

MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE AND IGNAZIO CASSIS, SWISS FOREIGN MINISTER JUNE 2, 2019 CASTELGRANDE, BELLINZONA, SWITZERLAND FOREIGN MINISTER CASSIS: (Via interpreter) Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference and this meeting between Switzerland and the United States. This meeting follows my visit to Washington, which dates back to February of this year. …

On May 16, 2019 Ambassador McMullen was part of the bilateral meeting of Swiss President Ueli Maurer and President Donald J. Trump at the White House, where they discussed the Swiss – U.S. partnership, Switzerland’s role in facilitating diplomatic relations and international issues. Pictures: Official White House Photo by Shealah Craghead.

On April 4 Ambassador McMullen engaged in a public discussion on the trade relations between Switzerland and the United States at the Graduate Institute in Geneva. The event was organized by Foraus Foreign Policy think tank, for with support of the U.S. Embassy in Bern. The discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities for mutual …

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC April 5, 2019 The United States and Switzerland reached an arrangement on April 5, 2019 regarding the Swiss acting as a protecting power for U.S. interests in Venezuela. Until further notice that the arrangement is operative, the Swiss will not be able to provide services. Where possible, …

The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative Fellowship, also known as YTILI, is a U.S. State Department exchange program that engages young European entrepreneurs in a series of professional development and leadership activities. The fellowship opens with a summit in Europe, followed by a week-long experience in a U.S. host city, and concludes with a conference …

2018 was Ambassador McMullen’s first year in Switzerland, and it was a year full of travelling through nearly every Swiss Canton and meeting people from all walks of life. The year started with a highlight, when President Trump visited the World Economic Forum in Davos. It continued with the Ambassador visiting many Cantons, attending Swiss …

Ambassador McMullen just returned from the United States, where he visited U.S. aerospace companies with deep historical and long-lasting ties to Switzerland. Switzerland and the United States are both leaders in science and technology. This is especially true in the aerospace sector! Ambassador McMullen went to the U.S. to visit U.S. defense industry companies across …

On December 3, 2018 Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. was pleased to join Ivanka Trump, U.S. Education Secretary DeVos, U.S. Labor Secretary Acosta, U.S. Commerce Secretary Ross, Swiss Economics Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann, and Swiss Ambassador to the U.S. Martin Dahinden for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Apprenticeships in Washington, D.C. Apprenticeships …

On October 18, Ambassador McMullen attended a gifting ceremony in the Swiss mountain village Melchsee-Frutt, where he received a framed copy of the Swiss Federal Charter . The Federal Charter is Switzerland’s oldest constitutional document, in which the central Swiss communities Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden pledged to help each other resist threats of violence and injustice. With this …

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. welcomed Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, Mississippi First Lady Deborah Bryant, and their visiting business development delegation for an investment luncheon at his residence to promote investment in Mississippi. The investment luncheon is part of a three-day visit of Governor Bryant, who met with current Mississippi investors and as well as …

On September 11, OC Oerlikon leadership welcomed Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. at its Balzers facility to discuss the company’s sizable footprint in many states in the United States. OC Oerlikon is a global technology and engineering Group specialized in advanced materials, surface solutions and manmade fibers. Oerlikon has a strong presence in the U.S. with manufacturing facilities in Illinois, Oklahoma, …

In July, a group of five Swiss students and their teacher from Kantonsschule Olten traveled to Kilarney, Ireland for the 2018 GLOBE Learning Expedition and Student Experience to present their scientific research projects to hundreds of other international students and scientists. They presented two environmental research projects and were one of the few groups invited …

Deputy Chief of Mission Tara Feret Erath had the pleasure of meeting two American social entrepreneurs, who were in Zurich this August for the Global Youth Summit. She joined the two for a “meet & greet” and learned about their passions, projects and impressions of Switzerland. The one-week Global Youth Summit is an annual event …

U.S. Embassy Bern welcomed three American students this summer through the State Department’s internship program. Through the internships, they were able to explore potential professional pathways in the U.S. Foreign Service and to immerse themselves in Swiss culture. We interviewed the three young professionals about their passions, projects, and perceptions of Switzerland. Allison Tschiemer, 26, …

In honor of August 1st, Switzerland’s National Day, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sent a congratulatory message to the Swiss people. On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of Switzerland on the occasion of Swiss National Day. On this day, we celebrate the foundation of the …

Several American undergraduate students are spending the summer at the Adolphe Merkle Institute in Fribourg, Switzerland, to participate in the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) Bio-Inspired Materials internship program. The U.S. Embassy Bern had the pleasure of interviewing four of those American students and learning about their visit to Switzerland. We asked the …

Clinical psychologist and Fulbright Specialist Adam Brown is collaborating with the Emergency Department at the University Hospital in Bern to detect and treat mental health issues among refugees. After a year of research and collaboration in Switzerland and the United States, we caught up with him to learn more about his experiences. Adam Brown is collaborating with …

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos visited Switzerland June 6 to June 8, 2018 to take a closer look at its education system, learn about apprenticeships, and meet with experts in the field. Secretary DeVos was invited by Federal Councilor Johann Schneider-Ammann to deliver a keynote address at the third International Congress on Vocational and …

Dr. Arlie R. Hochschild has visited Switzerland many times for tourism, to speak in expert panels at the World Economic Forum, and most recently, to accept an honorary degree from the University of Lausanne. The U.S. Embassy could not pass up an opportunity to ask her a few questions about her life, work, and perspective …

Embassy Bern attended the Global Village event organized by the international youth organization AIESEC at the University in Bern. The students present were able to try food specialties from all around the world, prepared by Embassies and citizens of the respective countries. We contributed two American classics: pulled pork sliders and peanut butter jelly sandwiches. …

U.S. Embassy Bern met with Sam Frank, who was in Switzerland for a week to visit the company he works for in the U.S., a Swiss cheese and sausage producer. On his first night in Bern he joined his employer on a catering job at a reception in honor of the arrival of U.S. Ambassador …

World Economic Forum Congress Centre Davos, Switzerland January 26, 2018 PRESIDENT TRUMP: Thank you, Klaus, very much. It’s a privilege to be here at this forum where leaders in business, science, art, diplomacy, and world affairs have gathered for many, many years to discuss how we can advance prosperity, security, and peace. I’m here today …

Original post by Wilbur Ross , U.S. Commerce Secretary Today, I am pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit, with this year’s theme of: Invest Here. Grow Here. Succeed Here. The SelectUSA Investment Summit will take place on June 20-22, 2018, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Washington. The goal is …

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is annually held on December 3. The United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3 proclaimed the annual observance of this Day in 1992. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness about the situation of persons with …

Switzerland is the 12th largest trading partner of the United States and the 7th largest source of foreign direct investment. There is a nearly balanced exchange of goods and services amounting to over $100 billion annually, and Swiss companies employ almost half a million U.S. workers. With numbers like that, you might think that only …

On November 14th, Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath had the pleasure of welcoming the American Swiss Foundation’s Young Leaders Conference during its annual visit throughout Switzerland. The American Swiss Foundation is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1945 to preserve and strengthen the historic friendship between the United States and Switzerland. The Swiss and U.S. …

On November 8, Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath welcomed Washington State Governor Jay Inslee and his delegation as part of an investment mission and in-depth study program to learn about Switzerland’s highly-successful vocational education system. In her opening remarks at the investment luncheon, Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath greeted 75 guests and highlighted the robust …

On October 20, 2017, Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath welcomed Missouri Governor Eric Greitens at a roundtable discussion hosted by UBS in Zürich. The emphasis of the roundtable with key industry stakeholders from the financial and insurance industries centered on the banking and insurance industries in Switzerland and Missouri. Governor Greitens’ delegation visited Switzerland as …

On September 28, Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath hosted a high-profile group of SelectUSA Investment Summit participants at a luncheon at the U.S. Residence. Along with a distinguished group of business leaders, Swiss Ambassador to the United States Martin Dahinden attended the event. The guests’ participation in the previous summits has led to increased foreign …

Clinical psychologist Adam Brown was selected as a Fulbright Specialist to work with the Emergency Department at the University Hospital in Bern. We caught up with him to learn more about his experience here and with the program. Adam is an Associate Professor and the Sara Yates Exley Chair in Teaching Excellence in the Department …

Dalal came to Switzerland as a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. We caught up with her to learn more about her experience here and with the program. Dalal is a communications student from the University of Illinois at Chicago studying international studies …

Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath had the pleasure of meeting four American social entrepreneurs in Zurich and learning about their visit to Switzerland (photo from left to right: Emma, Carly, Chargé Erath, Miro, Maria). The four were in Switzerland to participate in the Global Youth Summit organized by the Swiss non-profit organization Global Changemakers. We interviewed …

Today on June 20, 2017 the U.S. Embassy Bern commemorates World Refugee Day by recognizing the unique challenges refugees and displaced persons face, their resilience and courage in the face of chilling hardships, and the many invaluable contributions they have made to our Nation and others alike. Photo caption: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki …

In remarks before the 50th anniversary Swiss-AmCham Annual General Meeting, Chargé Tara Feret Erath underscored the positive momentum in U.S.-Swiss economic ties, including the USD 100 billion annual bilateral goods and services trade and growing Swiss investment in the United States. Erath expressed particular appreciation for the Chamber’s continued efforts to deepen these ties and …

On April 8, 2017, Vice Consul Benjamin Baughman spoke at the opening of the Robert Indiana exhibit at the Pinacoteca Comunale Casa Rusca in Locarno. U.S. Embassy Bern is a proud supporter of the celebration of the American pop art master. Best known for his iconic LOVE sculpture, Indiana’s art has been inspiring people around …

On March 20, Chargé d’Affaires greeted Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, Kentucky Secretary of Labor Derrick Ramsey, their delegation members as well National Governors Association officials, including President Scott Pattison, at a reception at the Embassy residence. Joining the state delegations were Swiss government officials and leaders in vocational education and …

Assistant Public Affairs Officer Cybèle Cochran traveled to eastern Switzerland on March 9 to speak at the Reformierte Kirchgemeinde Sargans. The group had invited her to talk about the American political system to their Continuing Education division. Forty congregation members attended the presentation where they learned about the system of checks and balances in the …

For its 10th anniversary, Jazzwerkstatt Bern, a festival supported in part with a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Bern, featured musicians from all over the world: Switzerland, Germany, South Africa, Great Britain, Italy, Austria and the United States. Chicago musicians Josh Bernan, Keefe Jackson and Frank Rosaly performed with Swiss musician Marc Unternährer, and …

The U.S. Embassy in Bern is pleased to be sponsoring Dr. Paul Freedman, associate professor of political science from the University of Virginia, on a speaking tour of Switzerland during first week of March. A specialist in public opinion, media and politics, and voting behavior, Dr. Freedman also serves as an election analyst for ABC …

What is the secret to business success? How do companies in Switzerland and the U.S. innovate and adapt to change? And how closely do Switzerland and the U.S. work together on economic issues? These are some of the questions that students of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland explore during the ConnectUS …

New Commitments Bring the Number of Swiss Companies to Offer Apprenticeship Opportunities in the U.S. to 30; Quality Job Creation a Priority January 16, 2017, Bern – Twelve more firms in Switzerland unveiled plans to expand or create new apprenticeship programs in the U.S., bringing the total of committed companies to 30. The companies (list …

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Vice President FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2017 On January 15-18, 2017, the Vice President will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine and Davos, Switzerland. In Ukraine the Vice President will participate in bilateral meetings with President Poroshenko and Prime Minister Groysman. The Vice President’s trip to Ukraine will underscore U.S. support …

January 11, 2017, Bern – The U.S. Embassy in Bern and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) welcome the Swiss Federal Council’s decision to finalize the implementation of our December 2015 agreement to expand the U.S. Global Entry program to interested Swiss citizens. Frequent travelers who enroll in the trusted traveler program will benefit from faster and easier entry …

We are happy to announce that registration for the 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit is now open! SelectUSA’s annual Summit, the top foreign direct investment (FDI) event in the country, will be held June 18-20, 2017 at the Gaylord Hotel – National Harbor in the Washington, D.C. area. The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the premier venue …

The Public Affairs Section of the United States Embassy in Bern is pleased to announce the 2017 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Summer Institute for students from the age of 16 to 18. Applications are now being accepted for program participation. The four-week institute will address important issues such as youth engagement, democracy and civil society development, …

Announcing Diversity Scholarship for a High School Exchange Year in the U.S. To celebrate the value of a diverse society, the U.S. Embassy is teaming with international exchange organization YFU, to offer the “Celebrating Diversity” scholarship, an award covering a portion of the costs of a study abroad year in the U.S. for Swiss students. …

In honor of August 1st, Swiss National Day, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry sent a congratulatory message to the Swiss people. On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of Switzerland on your National Day on August 1. The United States is proud to count Switzerland among its closest …

On January 26, Ambassador Suzan LeVine welcomed Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, his delegation and Swiss representatives of the business and academic communities to her residence in Bern. Governor Hickenlooper was in Switzerland leading a large business delegation. Focusing on workforce development and the “Swiss Model” of apprenticeships, the delegation explored innovative approaches to work-based learning …

Members of the Chamber, Excellencies, Friends, Colleagues – thank you once again for the opportunity to spend this evening with all of you. Before I begin my brief remarks here, let me give a special thank you to Martin Naville and his exceptional management team at the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce – within this country, there …

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